BAE Systems has been awarded a $162 million contract by the U.S. Army to produce major structures for the M777 lightweight howitzer, marking a key step in reviving the production line of the only battle-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer in the world.
Production of the titanium structures, which serve as the core components of the gun, is already underway in collaboration with supply chain partners in both the U.S. and the U.K. The effort builds on preliminary work initiated under an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) in December 2023, now finalized under the current agreement.
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The first deliveries are scheduled for 2026 and will take place from BAE Systems’ new state-of-the-art artillery production facility in Sheffield, U.K., as well as from U.S.-based suppliers. According to the company, the revitalization of M777 production supports growing international interest in the system across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
“This contract is a major milestone in revitalising M777 production at a critical time, where the howitzers are playing a key role in operations in Europe,” said John Borton, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK. “We are honoured to support our NATO allies with the only battle-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer in the world.”
Weighing half as much as conventional 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides unmatched mobility, rapid deployment capability, and sustained precision firepower. More than 1,250 M777 units are currently in service with armed forces in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, and India.
BAE Systems is also investing in future upgrades to the M777 platform, including long-range precision munitions, advanced mobility features, and digital fire control systems, ensuring the weapon system maintains its edge in modern and future conflicts.
